Gloria Estefan’s latest explores new ground but just misses the mark.
“Three stars”
It’s been 21 years since the Miami Sound Machine got any billing at all on a Gloria Estefan project, and her backing band’s most recent incarnation, “Philips Black Sound Machine with iPod Dock,” shows that the name isn’t the only thing changing. First and foremost is the band’s departure from traditional Cuban-flavored music and tape/CD combo to a more modern iPod docking system. While the effort is a bold stroke, ultimately the band’s inability to dock an iPod wearing one of the larger sleeves or protective cases out there really feels trite. The USB Direct mode might not explore new ground, but it is easily accessible for what it is: a quick way to upload or playback MP3 and WMA files from any USB device.
Yes, Estefan falls back to her same old tricks on the latter half of this record, but that’s not always a bad thing. Old school fans will be delighted at the reappearance of the FM stereo tuner, and fans who came on board post-Destiny will appreciate the iPod charging capability and Dynamic Bass Boost. Ultimately, though, it just doesn’t bring enough to the table to make this feel like a true concept album. The three inch speakers aren’t by any means bad, but they don’t exactly pulse with Latin rhythm either. Veterans of the live shows may notice that if you take this to a beach party or barbecue near a sandbox, you’re going to regret it. However the Aux In and Headphone jacks make this a good album for solo enjoyment, so that it does balance out.
Overall, it’s a welcome departure and a promising first step in a new direction for Estefan and the Philips Black Sound Machine with iPod Dock, but it only hints at greater things to come.
Warranty: 90 Day Philips Warranty
Features:
- Play and charge your iPod
- USB Direct for MP3/WMA music playback
- Dynamic Bass Boost
- FM stereo with auto digital tuning
- Sleep timer
- (2) 3” speakers
Connectivity:
- Aux in: Yes
- Headphone: 3.5 mm
Audio Playback:
- Cradle playback mode: Charging iPod, Play and Pause, Next and Previous track, Fast forward and backward
- Playback media: USB flash drive
- Programmable Tracks: 20
Compatible With:
- iPod Touch
- iPod Classic
- iPod Nano 3rd Generation
- iPod 5th Generation
- iPod with color display
- iPod Mini
- iPod Nano 1st Generation
- iPod Nano 2nd Generation
In the box:
- (1) Philips DC185/37B Black Sound Machine with iPod Dock
- (1) AC Power Cord
- (1) User Manual Quick Start Guide
- (1) Line-In Cable
- (3) iPod dock doors
